Artificial organs
-
Effects of a newly introduced modified hemoglobin, pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene conjugate (PHP), and stroma-free hemoglobin (SFH) on cardiac rhythm and contractility were examined in isolated rat hearts. Hearts were perfused with HEPES-buffered Krebs solution containing 6% PHP, 6% SFH, or 6% hydroxyethylstarch (HES). Arrhythmia was not observed in PHP-perfused hearts, but marked sinus bradycardia occurred in SFH-perfused hearts. ⋯ There was no significant difference to the coronary flow resistance between hearts perfused with PHP and HES solutions, indicating that PHP has little vasoactive effect. The flow resistance in SFH-perfused hearts decreased significantly when compared with other groups. Results demonstrate that PHP solution can preserve cardiac function and have no toxic effects in isolated rat hearts.